The Purpose of the Course is to orient students to the region of South Asia that stands distinct from any other regions of the world. It will make them learn the geographical significance, cultural diversity, physical features, regions and languages of this area. They will be able to learn the concept of caste and race through studying various local cultural models. This course will enable them to learn how this region has developed, an overview on their historical background and the factors that have run to shape it up as a unique cultural area.
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (23.02.2026)
The Purpose of the Course is to orient students to the region of South Asia that stands distinct from any other regions of the world. It will make them learn the geographical significance, cultural diversity, physical features, regions and languages of this area. They will be able to learn the concept of caste and race through studying various local cultural models. This course will enable them to learn how this region has developed, an overview on their historical background and the factors that have run to shape it up as a unique cultural area.
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (23.02.2026)
Course completion requirements
Student performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment and a final examination. The distribution of marks is as follows:
1. Regular Attendance and Class participation – 20 points (20%)
One absence is acceptable.
Engage in discussions and question-and-answer sessions
Contribute to group activities and in-class exercises
Demonstrate preparedness by reviewing assigned materials before class
2. Online Revision MCQs Tests – 30 points (30%)
After each lecture, an online revision Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) test will be assigned through the Socrative platform.
Each test will be available immediately after the lecture.
The test will remain active for four days following the class.
Students are encouraged to revise the lecture content before attempting the test.
3. Final Examination – 50 points (50%)
The final examination will consist of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) covering the entire course content. The exam will evaluate students’ comprehension, conceptual clarity, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge. Details regarding exam format, duration, and coverage will be communicated prior to the examination date.
Grading scale (points):
100 – 85 (1) Excellent
85 – 71 (2)Very Good
70 – 60 (3)Good
59 and less (4) Fail
Instructions regarding use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools:
Students can use AI tools (if instructed by the teacher) for the purpose of assistance during lectures (e.g. brainstorming and drafting, summarization, learning support, data analysis or other activity related purposes).
However, in the assessments that require students to demonstrate foundational knowledge, develop independent critical thinking skills or demonstrate their independent mastery of such foundations, AI is not permitted in any format. Using AI tools when they are specifically not allowed is considered an academic offense.
Last update: Ali Shagufta Hamid (24.02.2026)
Literature
Recommended:
Chakma, B. SAARC and region-building: is South Asia a region?.. In Journal of the Indian Ocean Region. 14 (2018): 189-205.
Korisettar, R. Out of Africa and into South Asia: The Evidence from Paleolithic Archaeology. In Schug, G. R., & Walimbe, S. R. (Eds.). A Companion to South Asia in the Past . : Wiley-Blackwell, 2016, s. -. ISBN ..
Parkin, R. South Asia in transition: an introduction to the social anthropology of a subcontinent. : Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2020, s. ISBN .
Lukacs, J. (Ed.). The people of South Asia: the biological anthropology of India, Pakistan, and Nepal. : Springer, 1984, s. ISBN .
Mines, D. P., & Lamb, S. (Eds.). Everyday Life in South Asia. : Indiana University Press, 2010, s. ISBN .
Gilbert, M. J. South Asia in World History. : Oxford University Press, 2017, s. ISBN .
Last update: Ali Shagufta Hamid (17.04.2026)
Syllabus -
1
Understanding South Asia as a Region
Countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan).
The idea of “South Asia” as a cultural area: shared traditions, religions, languages, colonial history, and post-colonial change.
Introducing diversity: caste, class, ethnicity, and gender differences.
Everyday Life in South Asia (Mines & Lamb, 2010) — Introduction and Part One.
2
Biological & Archaeological Foundations of South Asian People
Early humans in the subcontinent: migration “Out of Africa,” fossil and skeletal evidence, Mesolithic and Harappan sites.
Overview of Indus Valley Civilization, Aryans, Vedic Age, Mughals, Colonial era
The biological diversity of South Asian populations: physical anthropology, adaptation, race studies, and evolution.
How environmental and genetic factors shaped populations of India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
A Companion to South Asia in the Past (2016) — covers archaeology, paleoanthropology, and early civilizations like the Indus Valley.
The People of South Asia (1984) — covers biological anthropology, genetics, and adaptation of South Asian peoples.
South Asia in World History — Marc Jason Gilbert
3
Social & Cultural Anthropology of South Asia
Caste and kinship systems, marriage and family structures.
Religion and ritual: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and local folk traditions.
Gender roles, power, and patriarchy.
Modern issues: urbanization, globalization, media, and diaspora life.
Everyday Life in South Asia — especially sections on Gender, Caste, Religion, and Globalization.
Peter Van Der Veer.2002. Religion in South Asia. Annual Review of Anthropology. Vol.31. pp. 173-187.
4
Themes and Theoretical Approaches
Colonialism and Orientalism (how Europe studied South Asia).
Modernization vs. tradition.
Globalization, identity, and post-colonial change.
Anthropology’s own history in South Asia (how the discipline developed there).
A Companion to South Asia in the Past, last section “South Asia in Retrospect.”
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (23.02.2026)
1
Understanding South Asia as a Region
Countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan).
The idea of “South Asia” as a cultural area: shared traditions, religions, languages, colonial history, and post-colonial change.
Introducing diversity: caste, class, ethnicity, and gender differences.
Everyday Life in South Asia (Mines & Lamb, 2010) — Introduction and Part One.
2
Biological & Archaeological Foundations of South Asian People
Early humans in the subcontinent: migration “Out of Africa,” fossil and skeletal evidence, Mesolithic and Harappan sites.
Overview of Indus Valley Civilization, Aryans, Vedic Age, Mughals, Colonial era
The biological diversity of South Asian populations: physical anthropology, adaptation, race studies, and evolution.
How environmental and genetic factors shaped populations of India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
A Companion to South Asia in the Past (2016) — covers archaeology, paleoanthropology, and early civilizations like the Indus Valley.
The People of South Asia (1984) — covers biological anthropology, genetics, and adaptation of South Asian peoples.
South Asia in World History — Marc Jason Gilbert
3
Social & Cultural Anthropology of South Asia
Caste and kinship systems, marriage and family structures.
Religion and ritual: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and local folk traditions.
Gender roles, power, and patriarchy.
Modern issues: urbanization, globalization, media, and diaspora life.
Everyday Life in South Asia — especially sections on Gender, Caste, Religion, and Globalization.
Peter Van Der Veer.2002. Religion in South Asia. Annual Review of Anthropology. Vol.31. pp. 173-187.
4
Themes and Theoretical Approaches
Colonialism and Orientalism (how Europe studied South Asia).
Modernization vs. tradition.
Globalization, identity, and post-colonial change.
Anthropology’s own history in South Asia (how the discipline developed there).
A Companion to South Asia in the Past, last section “South Asia in Retrospect.”
